MCL closes Washington Square restaurant

A customer pays for her meal at an MCL cafeteria in 2005.
(Photo: James Yee)

Patrons eating at the MCL Restaurant & Bakery at Washington Square Mall on Tuesday learned some hard news: After four decades, the restaurant is pulling out of the mall.

Tuesday, in fact, was the last day of operation for the restaurant’s Far-Eastside location.

Ron and Gloria Phillips have eaten here once or twice weekly for during the 40 years they have lived in Warren Township, Ron Phillips said. The departure of MCL is just another blow for the struggling mall, he said.

“The closing is understandable but sad to see,” Phillips said. “They have good home-style food and the best iced tea in town. The staff was an added plus. Good people.”

At MCL’s web site, the notation for the Washington Square location carries this message: “Thank you for 40 great years! MCL Washington Square's last day of service will be February 18, 2014.”

MCL continues to operate at another Eastside location — at the corner of 10th Street and Arlington Avenue.